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IIIFolio · plant profile№ 5D60edible
Data provenancePermapeopleTreflePFAFPOWOreviewed 17 Oct 2026methodology → read

Acai

Euterpe oleracea
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Euterpe oleracea (Acai) — botanical photograph
Pl. 5D60 — Euterpe oleracea
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Overview

Acai (Euterpe oleracea) is a tall palm tree native to the tropical regions of Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad-Tobago, and Venezuela. Thriving in moist environments with light to partial sun exposure, this plant can grow up to 25 meters tall and is known for its edible fruit, which is rich in antioxidants. The acai is valued for its apical buds, fruits, leaves, and seeds, making it a versatile addition to botanical landscapes. Its adaptability to various soil types—ranging from sandy to clay—and hardiness in zones 10-12 make it a suitable choice for tropical climates. For cultivation, ensure the plant receives adequate water and grows best in a well-draining but moisture-retentive soil. Acai thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 10-12, making it suitable for tropical climates. For cultivation, ensure the plant receives adequate water and grows best in a well-draining but moisture-retentive soil. Acai can reach heights of up to 25 meters and produces edible parts including apical buds, fruit, leaves, and seeds.

Quick answers

What is Acai?

Acai (Euterpe oleracea) is a tall palm tree native to the tropical regions of Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad-Tobago, and Venezuela.

Growingconditions · propagation · uses
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Cultivation

Acai thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 10-12, making it suitable for tropical climates. For cultivation, ensure the plant receives adequate water and grows best in a well-draining but moisture-retentive soil. Acai can reach heights of up to 25 meters and produces edible parts including apical buds, fruit, leaves, and seeds.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Mature size
25.0 m tall
For first-time growers

How to grow Acai for the first time

7steps

Start with a simple, well-prepared environment for your Acai plant.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    A healthy young Acai plant, potting mix suitable for palms, and a large container.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in spring when the weather is warm and stable.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Use a well-draining soil mix with some sand or perlite added. Ensure your pot has drainage holes.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Transplant young Acai plants from containers into the prepared pot, ensuring roots are not damaged.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Place in a sunny spot and avoid direct midday sun.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist. Fertilize with a balanced palm fertilizer during growing seasons.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune lightly to maintain shape, focusing on removing dead or weak branches. Harvest fruit when it turns dark purple.

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Edible & utility

Edible parts:Apical budFruitLeavesSeed
Edible uses: Oil, Drink, Tea
Other uses:FiberoilWeaving materialLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
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Distribution

9 native · 0 introduced
Distribution across1 continent· 9 native
Americas6 regions
native (6)ColombiaEcuadorFrench GuianaGuyanaSurinameVenezuela
Broader regions
native:Brazil North, Brazil Northeast, Trinidad-Tobago
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Specimen gallery

1 image
Euterpe oleracea (Acai) — botanical photograph
Acai (Euterpe oleracea)
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Explore further

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